Board of Directors >>
Tristan Ross | President
Marcus Theaters | manager
Why are you a member of TAFM? I'm a member of TAFM because I see the benefit of networking and working together with others within the tourism industries
Career History: I have been with Marcus Theaters since November 2010 but have been in and out of the industry since 2001. Over the years I have worked for Wells Fargo as both a teller and Banker Connection, I have supported Office for Mac at Microsoft, was the operations manager for a photographer, and have worked in a liquor store.
Hobby: I enjoy traveling and checking out new places in my free time. I spend a lot of time with friends as well as volunteering.
Something silly most don't know about you: I spent over three months on an Ocean-liner as a study abroad student my last year in college. 200 students were onboard from 50 different nations.
Jenny Olson | Vice President
Marge's Diner | general manager
Why are you a member of TAFM? I'm a member to build a stronger unity between the tourism industries in the area! We have so much to do here, so I want to help connect and strengthen these businesses. Getting the word out about what this area has to offer to keep tourists, and also local residents, in the know will only help strengthen our community and economy.
Career History: I have a degree in Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences, but while I was in college I started bartending at The Boiler Room. At that time I decided that the service industry was where I needed to be!
Hobby: Anything that involves a lake and a koozie!
Something silly most don't know about you: I enjoy rollerblading, but after all these years I still haven't figured out how to stop; typically stopping requires a tumble and a roll.
Rachel Williams | Secretary/ Treasurer
Visit Fargo Moorhead | Director Of Operations
Why are you a member of TAFM? We live in a very supportive and bustling community, and I want to help strengthen the connections between the businesses that benefit from tourism (which is every business 🙂 )
Career History: I have worked in restaurants and hotels prior to working at Visit Fargo-Moorhead for the past 8 years!
Hobby: I love to read and snuggle with my mini dachshund, Winnie!
Something silly most don't know about you: If a new book or season in a TV series that I enjoy comes out, I have to read or watch the entire series again.
Kayla Cash | Board Member
Sanctuary events center | director of sales
Why are you a member of TAFM? I love connecting with people and building relationships! I'm looking forward to growing my circle of influence with the other great members of TAFM. This is a wonderful opportunity and I'm grateful to be part of this group! Surrounding myself with big thinkers and sharing ideas leads to success!
Career History: I've spent the last 6 years in the event industry as Director of Sales for two venues. I've personally completed over 1500 corporate & private events with over 600 weddings in the FM area. Prior to this, I was an Account Executive at KVRR TV for 5 years and am still a media buyer presently. I enjoy learning from business owners and sharing ideas of how to grow their businesses through traditional and digital media platforms. The past 14 years I've been a small business owner in a direct sales company, where I lead a team of over 75 people.
Hobby: Traveling, music, spending time with family, friends and fur babies, bonfires and red wine!
Something silly most don't know about you: I've gone viral! There's over 7 pages on Google about me and a local news story from 2015 when I called a local TV station to report a jackrabbit problem in our neighborhood. We had over 50 GIANT jackrabbits that had invaded my yard, which led to a phone call from ABC News in New York City and dozens of phone calls the days following. If you Google 'Kayla Straabe Jackrabbits' you'll find all 7 pages of rabbit stories! I was a Top 10 headline on CNN that day, along with many top news sites! The best part? My fiancé (now husband) told me I couldn't call the news, and I didn't tell him I did - so he saw it on CNN before he heard about it from me! This was followed by clients I would meet saying, ' you look familiar. Are you the rabbit lady?' I'm glad now that my married name has freed me of the rabbit saga. Haha!
Alysia Simunek | Board Member
Rough cut social | general manager / director of sales
Why are you a member of TAFM? Relationships and knowledge! There is so much to do in the area and I am excited to learn about it all while supporting and encouraging all the businesses that work together so well bringing people to the community.
Career History: I previously worked for a local government organizing city, chamber and economic development events and resident activities when I received the call that there was an opportunity to spearhead some up-and-coming entertainment venues and play games with people. I obviously jumped at the chance. I have found working in events and entertainment is very rewarding and thoroughly enjoy celebrating every little milestone with people.
Hobby: Travel. I am constantly on the go - visiting new cities, states and countries. I love learning about and exploring new places and I spend countless hours doing research after I book something. My year consists of numerous getaways including R&R beach vacays, constant on the go tourist destinations. I am always researching for the next trip!
Something silly most don't know about you: I watch Die Hard every year on Christmas morning and refuse to go anywhere until I’ve watched the whole thing, uninterrupted. I’ve shown up late for holiday gatherings because of it.
Britni Wyum | Board Member
Courtyard by Marriott Fargo | Director of sales
Why are you a member of TAFM? I am looking to get more involved in my community.
Career History: I have gone down a few different avenues such as healthcare and fitness but ended my search in hospitality.
Hobby: My hobbies are painting, reading, and hanging out with my family.
Something silly most don't know about you: All of our pets are named after Disney characters.
Cora Turner | Board Member
Homewood Suites by Hilton Fargo | Director of sales
Why are you a member of TAFM? I think its important for hospitality businesses and vendors to connect and help each other to give visitors and the people that live here the best experiences they can have.
Career History: I have been in the hotel industry in various roles for 35 years, starting out as a sales office assistant in college. I’ve worked in housekeeping, front desk, reservations, banquets and catering and sales. I took a 7 year hiatus from the hotel industry and worked at a bank. I have been the Director of Sales at Homewood Suites by Hilton-Fargo since we opened in 2006.
Hobby: Crocheting, fishing/boating and listening to audiobooks.
Something silly most don't know about you: audiobooks. I have to count out and butter 12 crackers with my tomato or chicken noodle soup. I don't know why.
Kelsy Ballinger | Board Member
Chef's Table | Catering manager
Why are you a member of TAFM? I am excited to join the board of TAFM this year! I am hoping to make new connections within the community and learn more about tourism and all of the connections in the FM Area - it’s always SUCH a small world!
Career History: I started my career in 2015 at Trollwood Performing Arts School and was with the organization through 2021 as their Operations and Rentals Manager. I started at Chef’s Table as their Sales Manager in 2021 and have absolutely loved the change! Working with clients to create the best day (and FOOD) ever is truly my pleasure! My husband and in-laws also own Bear Creek Winery in South Fargo and I also have the role of Director of Hospitality within the winery - which never has a dull moment!
Hobby: What is a hobby? Ha! I love spending time with my family - I have a 17 month old daughter and 4 year old Rottweiler mix and we love to walk all around the Hawthorne neighborhood especially! Both my husband and I grew up in Fargo so it’s great to have both of our families around!
Something silly most don't know about you: Prior to my daughter, we loved to foster through TMAR - and we named all of the dogs after wine! Pinot, Syrah, and Franc were some of our favorites!
Hobby: What is a hobby? Ha! I love spending time with my family - I have a 17 month old daughter and 4 year old Rottweiler mix and we love to walk all around the Hawthorne neighborhood especially! Both my husband and I grew up in Fargo so it’s great to have both of our families around!
Something silly most don't know about you: Prior to my daughter, we loved to foster through TMAR - and we named all of the dogs after wine! Pinot, Syrah, and Franc were some of our favorites!
Lindsey McMillan | Board Member
Clubhouse Hotel and suites fargo | Director of sales
Why are you a member of TAFM? I'm a member of TAFM because
I've found it's one of the best ways to stay connected within the local hospitality industry! Being a TAFM member keeps me in touch with like-minded people who also have an interest in hospitality world along with keeping me up to date with new businesses and reminding me of the existing businesses as well.
Career History: I started in the restaurant world at age 16 in my hometown of Duluth, MN, worked in hotels through college, became a travel agent post-graduation, jumped back into restaurants until Covid, then began my journey into the hotel sales world which I'm currently in!
Hobby: My favorite hobbies are staying connected with family/friends and trash reality TV. You'll most likely fine me chatting on the phone, or with my dogs on the couch watching Love Island.
Something silly most don't know about you: well. My hangover craving 99% of the time is sushi. I've found no one over the years who agrees.
Jessa Lindgren | Board Member
Fargo-Moorhead Symphony Orchestra | Marketing Manager / Development
Why are you a member of TAFM? It is so vital for our community's businesses and organizations to collaborate. Fargo-Moorhead has so much to offer, and I believe we only grow stronger by supporting and lifting each other up. By working together, we can highlight the incredible opportunities and experiences our area has, making it an even better place to live, work, and visit.
Career History: My career journey has been diverse, beginning with many years as a retail manager, which gave me a solid foundation in customer service and team leadership. I then transitioned into the insurance industry, working with a small, local company where I gained valuable experience in business operations and community engagement. Now at the Fargo-Moorhead Symphony, I've found a passion for driving impact and recognizing the importance of fostering cultural and community connections through the arts.
Hobby: My hobbies include gardening and collecting house plants, reading, and fostering dogs. I also enjoy adventuring with my partner and two-year-old daughter, we're always looking for the next new thing or place to enjoy.
Something silly most don't know about you: Bad zombie movies are my favorite movie genre.
Carson Buresh | Board Member
Red River Valley Fair | Director of rentals
Why are you a member of TAFM? I bring my professional work experience from the Red River Valley Fair, to create and promote community-driven events. My role at the Red River Valley Fair has provided me with a deep understanding of how local attractions can significantly impact tourism and strengthen out region's visibility. By being part of the Tourism Alliance, I can help bridge efforts between our community nonprofit fair and and other local initiatives, ensuring that the FMWF area continues to grow as a vibrant destination for visitors. It's an exciting opportunity with other individuals who share the same passions as I do.
Career History: RRVF as Director of Events since March 2023. Scheels Arena as the Events Coordinator for the 2022/2023 Events Season. Saffire as on Onsite Ticketing Representative at 20+ Fairs/Festivals from 2020 - 2023.
Hobby: I enjoy staying active through various strength and conditioning training year-round. I also spend a lot of time with my dog Sophia who is an Australian Shepherd/Corgi. As I am recently engaged, a new hobby of mine will be planning my wedding with my fiance. We also enjoy traveling and participating in community events throughout the FMWF area.
Something silly most don't know about you: I did work for a carnival for several years and can proudly say that I was the only employee who still had all of their own teeth!
Michelle Chevalier | Board Member
Jasper hotel Fargo | Director of sales
Why are you a member of TAFM?
Career History:
Hobby:
Something silly most don't know about you:
Upcoming Board of Directors Meetings
Open to all TAFM Members
For details, contact info@tourismalliancefm.org
